William enlisted on 11th December 1915. He was 29 years and 7 months old, and a sugar boiler (confectioner) by trade. Following a medical on 14th December, he was put on Army Reserve and then mobilized on 16th April 1917 and posted to ‘T’ Coy two days later. On 19th April 1917 he was admitted to Fylde Auxiliary Hospital, Wesham, Lancashire in ‘a very serious condition’ with a weak heart due to bronchial asthma. His asthma had been picked up in his original medical in 1915. William was the son of John and Elizabeth Matthews, husband of Louisa Matthews and father of Florence Matthews of 9 Devon Street, Pontefract Lane, Leeds. (Information researched and kindly provided by Chris Ludlam)